What do you guys use?

[xlayedoutx]

So what do all you guys use for back up lights? Do you have something to use incase something was to happen to your main lighting system? You know just something to keep things alive while you get your main lights fixed.

[zy112]

Over the years I have collected an array of lighting that I know longer use but could in that situation. Right now I have with no intention of using a 2x96 watt pc retro, a 2x55 watt pc retro, a 48" 4x65 watt pc hood... lol i should probably sell it but o well, i guess i do have a backup... i think i even have a really ruff lookin 175 watt halide system somewhere.

[Witfull]

i have a 4x65PC and a few halides laying around in my junk pile,,,and well as some NO flour. in a pinch i could whip up something~

[BigAl07]

I have a really cool LED flashlight That's it for back-up. But it is a SWEET flashlight

[ragvette]

I would transfer corals from one tank to another.

[xlayedoutx]

Any ideas on what would be a good back up light for a 2 foot deep tank with a few SPS a clam and some softies? This light would only be used in emergencies.

[zy112]

Seems like you can always pick up a cheap pair of pc's that would keep the tank lit.

[garret]

i have 2 65 watt PC's and one of those MH bell pendant's

also i was looking at these MH systems from a site called aqua traders (i think) there really cheap everything on that site is a wired brand and really cheap but if it works

[zy112]

I dont know in my experiences with lighting is alot of times its one of those you get what you pay for. I would rather pay a little more and know I'm happy with it. Plus when you add up the money you have in it a little extra for better stuff isnt too bad lol. Or at least thats what i try to tell myself.

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by garret

i have 2 65 watt PC's and one of those MH bell pendant's

also i was looking at these MH systems from a site called aqua traders (i think) there really cheap everything on that site is a wired brand and really cheap but if it works

I would NOT buy lights from them. In fact I wouldn't buy a bag of DIRT From them. Too many horror stories about them on the net and I don't mean just one or two. Back away from AquaTraders!

Originally Posted by zy112

I dont know in my experiences with lighting is alot of times its one of those you get what you pay for. I would rather pay a little more and know I'm happy with it. Plus when you add up the money you have in it a little extra for better stuff isnt too bad lol. Or at least thats what i try to tell myself.

That's exactly right. There are 4 key places where you do NOT want to take short cuts as any will indeed Bite You in the Rear!

#1 Stand - short cut = tank falling.... BAD!!
#2 Tank - Short cut = Tank possibly failing.... BAD!!
#3 Filtration - short cut = poor water quality and wasted $$$$.... BAD!!
#4 Lights - short cut = poor performance.... heart ache.. frustration and in some cases a fire in the home....and LOTS of wasted $$$.... BAD and VERY BAD!!

If you're short on cash take your time... save for some quality lights and you wont be sorry you did.

[zy112]

well said

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by zy112

well said

Thanks Zach. To be honest I'm speaking FROM experience on the light. I bought THREE different light fixtures for my first tank before I was satisfied. Yes that's right... THREE different ones. On the forth I saved a little longer and got the one I "thought" about initially.. but I was trying to be smart and save some money.... Light fixture #2 ended up shorting out and really stinking up the house... no fire at all but it smelled like burn HAIR for a while.... If I had thought long term, NOT listened to my LFS and gotten the light I was initially inclined to get I could have save a few hundred $$$ from the get go. Live and learn

[zy112]

Yea sounds about like my story minus the shorting out.

[Witfull]

any money saved by reading RS should get a 10% tithing to RS~

[AQTCJAK]

I keep a spare lighting system plus bulbs @ the shop for people to use just in case